Monday, February 26, 2007

Basic Cucumber Growing Tips

Basic Cucumber Growing Tips

Cucumbers are a subtropical plant and require full sun. Cucumbers also require a decent amount of growing space in your garden, so you’ll need to take this into account. If you’re short on space, vertical structures such as trellises can help make up for limited space in your garden. There are also a number of dwarf varieties if you’d like to grow your cucumbers in containers.

Cucumbers are happiest when the average temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant your cucumbers in the late spring or early summer when there is no risk of frost. Even a light frost can kill your plants.

In general, cucumbers are not picky about soils. However, make sure your soil is well-draining and has a pH of around 6.5. Add plenty of organic compost to your garden soil before you grow cucumbers. This will ensure that they have the proper nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Additionally, your soil will have the proper drainage to let your plants thrive when you add compost. Adding organic compost is really one of the best ways to improve both soil drainage and balance soil pH.